RACINE – There is literally something for everyone this weekend.

Friday, July 14, 2000

RACINE – There is literally something for everyone this weekend.

Don’t plan on cooking at home.

Don’t let the children grumble "There’s nothing to do."

Don’t ignore the summertime celebrations happening at Racine.

Don’t skip Tom and Shelly Kraetsch’s Burr Oak Buffalo Ranch.

Don’t drive by the Deer Creek Campgrounds where the Root River Antique Historical Power Association Inc. plans to, literally, let off some steam.

Here’s the lineup:

BBQ, raffle, dancing

Barbecue chicken, a raffle and street dancing.

This small entertainment package always generates good fun at Racine.

The 16th annual Racine Lions Club chicken barbecue will be held 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

When the sun goes down, a street dance 8 p.m. to midnight features the music of One Nite Rodeo.

Raffle drawing winners will be announced at the street dance and tickets will be sold throughout the afternoon and evening by Racine Lions Club members.

The events are the major fund-raiser for the Racine Lions Club each year and help fund various community service projects.

Where buffalo roam

The annual Buffalo Fest at the Burr Oak Buffalo Ranch promises two days of history, heritage and fun as well as good eating this weekend.

Tom and Shelley Kraetsch and their family will host the events 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The site is one mile south of Racine along U.S. Highway 63.

The family’s buffalo herd will be grazing in pastures and a hay ride will take visitors up close to see the beasts.

There will be demonstrations of blacksmithing, tomahawk throwing and wool-spinning plus tepee tours.

Thee will also be children’s games, including three-legged and sack races, a buffalo hunt (with a pop gun) and ring toss.

A farm animal petting zoo plus gifts and frozen buffalo meat will also be featured attractions.

Naturally, there will be buffalo burgers and brats, plus soft drinks for sale.

For more information, call 507-378-5413.

‘Million dollar tractor’

The 18th annual Antique Engine and tractor Show features John Deere tractors and equipment this year.

The gates open 7 a.m. today, Saturday and Sunday next to the Deer Creek Campgrounds and Speedway south of Racine along U.S. Highway 63.

The events will be held, rain or shine, on 33 acres of land.

Each day, there will be an antique tractor parade at 2 p.m., plus a pancake breakfast serves at 10 a.m.

This year, a 1945 John Deere "B" tractor or $1,000 is the top raffle prize.

The featured attraction among the special John Deere display will be a million dollar antique.

A John Deere tractor serial number 1918-79 and the earliest know product of the John Deere and Company manufacturer with only three driving wheels will be on display.

Admission is $3 per person.

For more information, call Clair Mrotek, chairman of the Root River Antique Historical Power Association, Inc. at 507-754-5509.